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Former Winnipeg Blue Bombers head coach Paul LaPolice, relieved from his position by GM Joe Mack Saturday, issued a statement regarding his dismissal today:

I was informed Saturday after reviewing the B.C. game film with the players and coaches that I was being relieved of my duties as Head Coach. I was disappointed because I believe that we were playing our best football to date and our roster was returning to full strength after our early season challenges. I would have liked the opportunity to have been able to be evaluated on our performance over 18 games.

Although I disagree with the timing of this decision, I have to accept it and move on. There are always two sides to every story but I do not believe that defending myself publicly will change anything, so I will not answer questions about the situation at this time.

I want to thank the Bomber organization for giving me my first Head Coaching opportunity. The people in the organization have been great to work with and they all have my thanks. I loved every day that I was the Head Coach of the Blue Bombers.

I especially wanted to thank the coaches and the players that I was able to work with. They helped us bring an East Division Championship and a Grey Cup appearance to Winnipeg. These are great memories that I will cherish. I thank them for all the kind words they have sent in the past two days.

I also want to thank the fans, who have been tremendous to me and my family over the past three years. I feel great pride that we were able to bring back weekly sell-outs to Canad Inns Stadium.

I will spend time with family and friends as we take our time to decide what is next for me and until then, will offer no further comment.

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You can comment on most stories on winnipegfreepress.com. You can also agree or disagree with other comments.
All you need to do is be a Winnipeg Free Press print or e-edition subscriber to join the conversation and give your feedback.